Magnet Middle Schools/North Bethesda

[Anonymous]

OP will hopefully not be deterred by one parent whose views are probably not typical at the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The 2 selective magnets you could apply to from your home address are both in the eastern part of the County (Takoma Park for STEM and Eastern for Humanities), they were placed there to revitalize struggling schools. There are 3 other "magnets" in the Wheaton area that are lottery based (performing arts, aeronautics, and something like digital media?). Same reason to locate them there.

Bethesda-area schools do not house magnets but the general atmosphere is more studious and high-achieving than those in certain lower-income parts of MCPS, because the parents are better educated and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*. The courses offered in each middle school reflect that demographic: everyone at North Bethesda does "advanced" English and World Studies (which are really not advanced at all, just normal), whereas other schools may only have one class of those courses, and the rest of the classes doing the regular (low level) course.

The magnet commute is a bear but completely worth it if your child is at a very high level in either math or English and is academically inclined. The magnets are extremely selective! 5th graders and 8th graders take entrance exams for middle school magnets and high school magnets, respectively, so even if you missed the middle school magnet, your child can always apply in 8th grade to high school magnets. In the meantime, your child can test into the advanced math track, or even be bussed to Walter Johnson high school if they are taking a math or world language course that is so high level it is not offered at the middle school. Please inquire at North Bethesda, they may be able to test your child now or over the summer. My son took a test and was offered the option of being bussed to WJ, but ultimately chose not to.

Do you really think only Bethesda area parents care about their children's education????

I shouldn't respond to a troll, but the PP is explaining why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda area. She/He did not say or imply that only Bethesda area parents care about their chilldren's education.

What would be your answer as to why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda/Potomac area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The 2 selective magnets you could apply to from your home address are both in the eastern part of the County (Takoma Park for STEM and Eastern for Humanities), they were placed there to revitalize struggling schools. There are 3 other "magnets" in the Wheaton area that are lottery based (performing arts, aeronautics, and something like digital media?). Same reason to locate them there.

Bethesda-area schools do not house magnets but the general atmosphere is more studious and high-achieving than those in certain lower-income parts of MCPS, because the parents are better educated and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*. The courses offered in each middle school reflect that demographic: everyone at North Bethesda does "advanced" English and World Studies (which are really not advanced at all, just normal), whereas other schools may only have one class of those courses, and the rest of the classes doing the regular (low level) course.

The magnet commute is a bear but completely worth it if your child is at a very high level in either math or English and is academically inclined. The magnets are extremely selective! 5th graders and 8th graders take entrance exams for middle school magnets and high school magnets, respectively, so even if you missed the middle school magnet, your child can always apply in 8th grade to high school magnets. In the meantime, your child can test into the advanced math track, or even be bussed to Walter Johnson high school if they are taking a math or world language course that is so high level it is not offered at the middle school. Please inquire at North Bethesda, they may be able to test your child now or over the summer. My son took a test and was offered the option of being bussed to WJ, but ultimately chose not to.

BCC is a GS 6 based solely on test scores. You really need to reconcile these views with objective reality.

BCC is overrated for some unknown reason. For a school with low FARMS it should do much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The 2 selective magnets you could apply to from your home address are both in the eastern part of the County (Takoma Park for STEM and Eastern for Humanities), they were placed there to revitalize struggling schools. There are 3 other "magnets" in the Wheaton area that are lottery based (performing arts, aeronautics, and something like digital media?). Same reason to locate them there.

Bethesda-area schools do not house magnets but the general atmosphere is more studious and high-achieving than those in certain lower-income parts of MCPS, because the parents are better educated and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*. The courses offered in each middle school reflect that demographic: everyone at North Bethesda does "advanced" English and World Studies (which are really not advanced at all, just normal), whereas other schools may only have one class of those courses, and the rest of the classes doing the regular (low level) course.

The magnet commute is a bear but completely worth it if your child is at a very high level in either math or English and is academically inclined. The magnets are extremely selective! 5th graders and 8th graders take entrance exams for middle school magnets and high school magnets, respectively, so even if you missed the middle school magnet, your child can always apply in 8th grade to high school magnets. In the meantime, your child can test into the advanced math track, or even be bussed to Walter Johnson high school if they are taking a math or world language course that is so high level it is not offered at the middle school. Please inquire at North Bethesda, they may be able to test your child now or over the summer. My son took a test and was offered the option of being bussed to WJ, but ultimately chose not to.

Actually she pretty much did say that " and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*."

Do you really think only Bethesda area parents care about their children's education????

I shouldn't respond to a troll, but the PP is explaining why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda area. She/He did not say or imply that only Bethesda area parents care about their chilldren's education.

What would be your answer as to why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda/Potomac area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The 2 selective magnets you could apply to from your home address are both in the eastern part of the County (Takoma Park for STEM and Eastern for Humanities), they were placed there to revitalize struggling schools. There are 3 other "magnets" in the Wheaton area that are lottery based (performing arts, aeronautics, and something like digital media?). Same reason to locate them there.

Bethesda-area schools do not house magnets but the general atmosphere is more studious and high-achieving than those in certain lower-income parts of MCPS, because the parents are better educated and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*. The courses offered in each middle school reflect that demographic: everyone at North Bethesda does "advanced" English and World Studies (which are really not advanced at all, just normal), whereas other schools may only have one class of those courses, and the rest of the classes doing the regular (low level) course.

The magnet commute is a bear but completely worth it if your child is at a very high level in either math or English and is academically inclined. The magnets are extremely selective! 5th graders and 8th graders take entrance exams for middle school magnets and high school magnets, respectively, so even if you missed the middle school magnet, your child can always apply in 8th grade to high school magnets. In the meantime, your child can test into the advanced math track, or even be bussed to Walter Johnson high school if they are taking a math or world language course that is so high level it is not offered at the middle school. Please inquire at North Bethesda, they may be able to test your child now or over the summer. My son took a test and was offered the option of being bussed to WJ, but ultimately chose not to.

Actually she pretty much did say that " and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*."

Do you really think only Bethesda area parents care about their children's education????

I shouldn't respond to a troll, but the PP is explaining why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda area. She/He did not say or imply that only Bethesda area parents care about their chilldren's education.

What would be your answer as to why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda/Potomac area?

Actually she pretty much did say that " and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*." The original reasons for the magnets were the bring more or higher performing students to particular schools...not to bring in children whose parents care about their education. However, Since magnets like Blair and RM have existed for 30 years the demographics of those schools and the county in general have changed. I don't think anyone s still wondering if RM will close for lack of students at this point!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The 2 selective magnets you could apply to from your home address are both in the eastern part of the County (Takoma Park for STEM and Eastern for Humanities), they were placed there to revitalize struggling schools. There are 3 other "magnets" in the Wheaton area that are lottery based (performing arts, aeronautics, and something like digital media?). Same reason to locate them there.

Bethesda-area schools do not house magnets but the general atmosphere is more studious and high-achieving than those in certain lower-income parts of MCPS, because the parents are better educated and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*. The courses offered in each middle school reflect that demographic: everyone at North Bethesda does "advanced" English and World Studies (which are really not advanced at all, just normal), whereas other schools may only have one class of those courses, and the rest of the classes doing the regular (low level) course.

The magnet commute is a bear but completely worth it if your child is at a very high level in either math or English and is academically inclined. The magnets are extremely selective! 5th graders and 8th graders take entrance exams for middle school magnets and high school magnets, respectively, so even if you missed the middle school magnet, your child can always apply in 8th grade to high school magnets. In the meantime, your child can test into the advanced math track, or even be bussed to Walter Johnson high school if they are taking a math or world language course that is so high level it is not offered at the middle school. Please inquire at North Bethesda, they may be able to test your child now or over the summer. My son took a test and was offered the option of being bussed to WJ, but ultimately chose not to.

Actually she pretty much did say that " and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*."

Do you really think only Bethesda area parents care about their children's education????

I shouldn't respond to a troll, but the PP is explaining why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda area. She/He did not say or imply that only Bethesda area parents care about their chilldren's education.

What would be your answer as to why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda/Potomac area?

They wanted to locate the magnets at the epicenter of the highest concentration of high-performers for logistics.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, if you made it here past the typical DCUM "banter", I am a NB parent and it is a solid middle school. The teachers have too many students, but care. Classroom disruptions are minimal. Counselors are responsive. There are peer cohorts for all levels of academic performance. Nice community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
The 2 selective magnets you could apply to from your home address are both in the eastern part of the County (Takoma Park for STEM and Eastern for Humanities), they were placed there to revitalize struggling schools. There are 3 other "magnets" in the Wheaton area that are lottery based (performing arts, aeronautics, and something like digital media?). Same reason to locate them there.

Bethesda-area schools do not house magnets but the general atmosphere is more studious and high-achieving than those in certain lower-income parts of MCPS, because the parents are better educated and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*. The courses offered in each middle school reflect that demographic: everyone at North Bethesda does "advanced" English and World Studies (which are really not advanced at all, just normal), whereas other schools may only have one class of those courses, and the rest of the classes doing the regular (low level) course.

The magnet commute is a bear but completely worth it if your child is at a very high level in either math or English and is academically inclined. The magnets are extremely selective! 5th graders and 8th graders take entrance exams for middle school magnets and high school magnets, respectively, so even if you missed the middle school magnet, your child can always apply in 8th grade to high school magnets. In the meantime, your child can test into the advanced math track, or even be bussed to Walter Johnson high school if they are taking a math or world language course that is so high level it is not offered at the middle school. Please inquire at North Bethesda, they may be able to test your child now or over the summer. My son took a test and was offered the option of being bussed to WJ, but ultimately chose not to.

Ugh. This is such an annoying assumption. The DCC is filled with scientists/professors, etc and there is plenty of dumb money in Bethesda. It doesn’t break down on those lines.

[Anonymous]

I am also zoned for NB. My oldest did fine there. But we are happier at Walter Johnson for HS. I moved my youngest to private to avoid the intense crowding at NB/WJ. One of the drawbacks to the (perhaps erroneous) belief that this is a desirable school area is that the overcrowding is intense and not for everyone. Depending on how old your kids are that may be addressed before they get to NB and Walter Johnson. To those that think your school is fabulous but not enough people recognize it as such, thank your lucky stars.

[Anonymous]

On the overcrowding front, NB has just gotten a renovation including a new wing and an auxiliary gym, so space is not an issue. Though of course larger numbers of students do complicate logistics.

[Anonymous]

Also, starting with this year’s 6th grade class, they have been rolling out a real advanced track for humanities (unlike the previous system where everyone was in “advanced” English and social studies). It will advance with that grade so next year will be available for 7th and 8th grade.
Agree the school has many great teachers and lots of extracurricular opportunities for the academically inclined (science Olympiad, chess, model UN, a writing club, math team, etc.)

[Anonymous]

Whoops, typo above. Meant to say the new track will be available for 6th and 7th grade next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The 2 selective magnets you could apply to from your home address are both in the eastern part of the County (Takoma Park for STEM and Eastern for Humanities), they were placed there to revitalize struggling schools. There are 3 other "magnets" in the Wheaton area that are lottery based (performing arts, aeronautics, and something like digital media?). Same reason to locate them there.

Bethesda-area schools do not house magnets but the general atmosphere is more studious and high-achieving than those in certain lower-income parts of MCPS, because the parents are better educated and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*. The courses offered in each middle school reflect that demographic: everyone at North Bethesda does "advanced" English and World Studies (which are really not advanced at all, just normal), whereas other schools may only have one class of those courses, and the rest of the classes doing the regular (low level) course.

The magnet commute is a bear but completely worth it if your child is at a very high level in either math or English and is academically inclined. The magnets are extremely selective! 5th graders and 8th graders take entrance exams for middle school magnets and high school magnets, respectively, so even if you missed the middle school magnet, your child can always apply in 8th grade to high school magnets. In the meantime, your child can test into the advanced math track, or even be bussed to Walter Johnson high school if they are taking a math or world language course that is so high level it is not offered at the middle school. Please inquire at North Bethesda, they may be able to test your child now or over the summer. My son took a test and was offered the option of being bussed to WJ, but ultimately chose not to.

Actually she pretty much did say that " and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*."

Do you really think only Bethesda area parents care about their children's education????

I shouldn't respond to a troll, but the PP is explaining why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda area. She/He did not say or imply that only Bethesda area parents care about their chilldren's education.

What would be your answer as to why there are no magnet schools in the Bethesda/Potomac area?

They wanted to locate the magnets at the epicenter of the highest concentration of high-performers for logistics.

Magnet programs were a response to changing demographics in the southeastern part of the county and concerns about racial isolation. They were developed to maintain racial diversity and fight "white flight."

One source to get more details is the Metis report, that has a section on the history of magnet programs: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/info/choice/ChoiceStudyReport-Version2-20160307.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 11:18.

If I couldn't afford to live in an area with good public schools, I would make do, and would NOT feel triggered by others lucky enough to provide better academic environments for their kids. Academic success is attained more frequently by students in higher-income areas. It's a fact. Why dispute facts?

I used to live in downtown Silver Spring, and have friends that stayed there, as well as friends that moved to Chevy Chase/Bethesda/Rockville, for the schools. The friends who stayed regret the school environments but stay for commute, financials, or other important reasons. The friends who moved are happy that the schools are so much better. These friends are of various skin colors and nationality. I am mixed race.

I'm not looking down on anybody. Everyone has to deal with their own situation. Just stop assuming that everyone has it in for you and your area.

My downtown SS kid is headed for a top ten school this fall, with nine AP credits under their belt. They scored 1580 on the SAT.

They are in good company, peers-wise, at their DCC school.

You are ignorant.

Wow, this DCC mom is SUPER aggressive & triggered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The 2 selective magnets you could apply to from your home address are both in the eastern part of the County (Takoma Park for STEM and Eastern for Humanities), they were placed there to revitalize struggling schools. There are 3 other "magnets" in the Wheaton area that are lottery based (performing arts, aeronautics, and something like digital media?). Same reason to locate them there.

Bethesda-area schools do not house magnets but the general atmosphere is more studious and high-achieving than those in certain lower-income parts of MCPS, because the parents are better educated and place greater emphasis on their children's education, *in general*. The courses offered in each middle school reflect that demographic: everyone at North Bethesda does "advanced" English and World Studies (which are really not advanced at all, just normal), whereas other schools may only have one class of those courses, and the rest of the classes doing the regular (low level) course.

The magnet commute is a bear but completely worth it if your child is at a very high level in either math or English and is academically inclined. The magnets are extremely selective! 5th graders and 8th graders take entrance exams for middle school magnets and high school magnets, respectively, so even if you missed the middle school magnet, your child can always apply in 8th grade to high school magnets. In the meantime, your child can test into the advanced math track, or even be bussed to Walter Johnson high school if they are taking a math or world language course that is so high level it is not offered at the middle school. Please inquire at North Bethesda, they may be able to test your child now or over the summer. My son took a test and was offered the option of being bussed to WJ, but ultimately chose not to.

Ugh. This is such an annoying assumption. The DCC is filled with scientists/professors, etc and there is plenty of dumb money in Bethesda. It doesn’t break down on those lines.

Bahahaha!
DCC mom strikes again!
I forgot bitter... bitter is the most obvious here.